Akhilesh Das sparks first revolt against Rahul (Lead)

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) Former union minister and Congress Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Das Tuesday resigned from the party and the upper house of parliament, pointing an accusing finger at the “power coterie” surrounding Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi. The resignation of the former minister of state for steel is seen as the first spark of revolt against the functioning of Rahul Gandhi and those close to him.

“I have no faith in the Congress party,” said Das, who was known for his proximity to Rahul Gandhi, as he dramatically put in his papers before Rajya Sabha chairperson Hamid Ansari when the house met in the morning.

Later, outside the house, Das alleged that the “coterie” around Rahul Gandhi had become the centre of the Congress party. He also said that the Congress was not following the “one-man-one-post” principle.

“There is a power coterie around Rahul and it is unfortunate that only that coterie can get access to Rahul,” Das told reporters.

Das was dropped from the council of ministers in the cabinet reshuffle that took place last month and was replaced by another Uttar Pradesh MP, Jitin Prasada.

Son of former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Banarsi Das, Das’ Rajya Sabha term was scheduled to expire soon.